The Last Samurai: Man Attacks Police With Swastika-Covered Samurai Sword and Survives

While (like today) we often chronicle cases of police abuse or controversies, we do have on occasion the opportunity to recognize extraordinary police work and commendable restraint. Such is the case with the apprehension of George Rogers, 36, who attacked Philadelphia police with a samurai sword covered with swastikas and a skull. Police did not simply shoot him and call it justifiable force. He was instead subdued and is now charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Rogers called police to say that he had just doused the rowhouse apartment with gasoline and was going to torch the place. This would have made any discharge of a weapon dangerous.

Rogers lives with his mother and was clearly suicidal. The police used a “bat shield” and busted through the barricaded door. Rogers slashed at the shield with the sword but was brought down with a taser.

The police have dubbed him “The Last Samurai.”

They found no gasoline or fuel, which is fortunate because we have seen a couple of cases of tasers igniting suspects in such circumstances, here and here. They did find an assortment of weapons including nunchucks, a crossbow, a hunting bow, a larger sword. and several throwing knives.

Jones is covered with tattoos, including a large one on his neck reading “Only God can judge.” He may have been a bit premature on that one.

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